Last week, I offered China in four sobering minutes.

“I prefer democracy,” I said.  “But democracy that’s not paralyzed.  If only Mitch McConnell would find another line of work.”

As a follow-up, one of you sent Bill Maher’s must-watch March 21 “New Rules” about China — A Silly People (us, not them).

It’s […]

Five minutes to share with those of your Republican friends who remain committed to democracy.

(Seems as though Hong Kong is losing its this week, with the shuttering of its free press.  Score one more for the Putin / Lukashenko / Orban / Trump / Erdogan / Duterte / Xi / Bolsonaro strong-man […]

How Republicans Are Expanding Their Power Over Elections:

. . . Previously, election board members were selected by both political parties, county commissioners and the three biggest municipalities in Troup County. Now, the G.O.P.-controlled county commission has the sole authority to restructure the board and appoint all the new members. . . […]

RECAF:  The geologist who told me about this one, and who has proven right so far, thinks that even at last night’s $9.70 close (a quadruple since suggested 90 days ago, and a market cap of $1.6 billion) the stock remains cheap.

“If they prove 30 billion barrels of recoverable oil,” he writes, “which […]

EqualDex is a remarkable overview of LGBT rights around the world.  It shows where someone like me can legally love, give blood, adopt, marry — and more.    (Thanks, Mel!)

It’s a bit misleading, though.  Some places where gay sex is still technically illegal don’t seem much to care.  While others, where it’s technically […]

I have the best readers.

One of you eats road kill.  One of you is a nationally known meteorologist.  One of you is a mail carrier.  One of you gives hundreds of thousands of dollars to help preserve democracy.  One of you tripled the size of my Roth IRA.  One of you spots almost any […]

Bret Stephens on Israel:

Israel’s new government must be a puzzle for anyone who thinks of the Jewish state as a racist, fascistic, apartheid enterprise.

Issawi Frej is Arab and Muslim and used to work for the Peace Now movement. Now he’s Israel’s minister for regional cooperation. Pnina Tamano-Shata is Black: […]

You could spend $3,000 for two seats in Row S to see Springsteen on Broadway starting soon at the St. James Theater  . . . and I know you’re tempted . . . but I suggest you watch it right now, or at your convenience, free, on Netflix.

It’s his life story, […]

TAXES

You likely saw that most uber-billionaires pay little or no income tax.

I have nothing against these folks for acting rationally and legally.  I would, too.  My beef is with those who resist taxing them in ways they CAN’T legally avoid.  Not because we don’t like and admire most of them, but because […]

I’m glad Netanyahu is going and deeply hope Israel and the world can find a way to help the Palestinian people not want to wipe Israel off the face of the earth.  Their plight is awful — and their Arab brothers and sisters have done little to help.

That said, consider sharing this speech […]